Helping Countries and Companies Bring Energy-Access Projects to Bankability
Why Project Preparation Matters
Across Africa—and especially in the East and Southern Africa (AFE) region—too few energy-access projects reach financial close. Nearly 80% of infrastructure projects fail before the feasibility stage, leaving investors with a limited pipeline of bankable opportunities.
This challenge directly affects renewable energy and clean cooking: although global renewable investment has surged, only 2% reached Africa between 2011–2021. Many project originators lack the technical capacity, feasibility of resources, or funds required to prepare investment-ready proposals.
Key PPF Mechanisms
Publicly Available Resources
On-Demand Technical Assistance (via Roster of Experts)
Grants to Industry Associations and Investors
Support to National Agencies and Cross-border Solutions
Grants to companies
What the ASCENT PPF Does
The ASCENT Project Preparation Facility (PPF) increases the number of investment-ready projects by providing targeted technical assistance to public agencies, private developers, and women- and youth-owned enterprises.
The PPF focuses on Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) and clean cooking, helping companies and governments:
- Reduce time to financial close
- Strengthen business and operational performance
- Expand into new markets
- Build a strong pipeline of investable projects
- Improve access to both public and private financing
How the PPF Supports Countries & Companies
The PPF delivers support through five complementary mechanisms:
How to Apply
Applications to the PPF will open soon.
Full details on eligibility, timelines, and required documentation will be made available at launch.
Project Preparation Facility (PPF) Explained
Support Mechanisms and Priority Areas
Achieving Results Faster and Together